About Joel Paley
Lived 1955 – 2025 (aged 69). Joel Paley was a writer.
Joel Paley (October 6, 1955 – January 11, 2025) was an American theatre director, lyricist and playwright. He was best known for co-creating the all-female musical Ruthless! with his creative partner and later husband Marvin Laird.
In 1993, he won a Drama Desk Award and was nominated for one more in the categories Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Director of a Musical for the play Ruthless!.
Paley died in Milford, Connecticut, on January 11, 2025, at the age of 69.
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Important facts
People in Joel Paley's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Joel Paley's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Joel Paley?
American director, lyricist and playwright (1955–2025)
When was Joel Paley born?
Joel Paley was born on 6 October 1955.
When did Joel Paley die?
Joel Paley died on 11 January 2025.
What was Joel Paley's occupation?
Joel Paley was a writer.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Joel Paley. https://biography.guide/joel-paley/
MLA: "Joel Paley." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/joel-paley/.
Chicago: "Joel Paley." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/joel-paley/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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